Campus News

A year ago this month, UC Davis veterinarians rescued over 418 seabirds in the San Francisco Bay Cosco Busan oil spill, which released over 58,000 gallons of crude oil into the bay.

The Oiled Wildlife Care Network, which is managed by the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center, provided rescue and rehabilitation to the oiled birds. The OWCN oversees 25 organizations in California and brings them together in instances like the Cosco Busan oil spill on Nov. 7, 2007.

Apparently nothing gets hormones pumping like climbing trees - or they've all maxed out their 10 free condoms per week from the Love Lab. Whatever the reason, it's been the eastern fox squirrels' time of the season for loving for too long - and their campus population has become unmanageable, spawning a birth-control research program.

University of California employees may soon be feeling the effects of the recent downturn in the stock market.

An 18-year "contribution holiday" during which both the university and UC employees were not required to contribute to the UC Retirement Plan (UCRP) will likely come to an end as early as next summer, according to a Sept. 12 letter from the UC Office of the President to all UC employees.

To relieve financial stress for UC Davis students, Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef spoke about the economy and its effects on higher education at the Memorial Union on Monday.

Chancellor Vanderhoef - along with interim director of financial aid Kathryn Maloney and Dr. Droje M. Jennette of Counseling and Psychological Services - answered students' financial aid questions and dispelled budget rumors.

Providing false information

A student was referred to Student Judicial Affairs for claiming he had medical reasons for why he failed to turn in a written assignment on time. After some discussion with a Judicial Officer, the student admitted to providing false information for the purpose of getting an extension on the assignment. Because providing false information is a violation of the Code of Academic conduct, the student agreed to a Disciplinary Probation until fall quarter 2009. Due to the personal circumstances of the student's situation, the student also agreed to seek professional psychological counseling for stress management from UC Davis Counseling and Psychological Services.

Ever wondered what happens with $10.7 million in grants and student fees each year? Ask ASUCD.

The transformation has already begun, UC Davis transportation expert Dan Sperling told Prime Minister Gordon Brown and a conference of international transportation professionals in London late October.

Sperling, director of the UC Davis Institute of Transportation Studies, gave the keynote address at a two-day conference commissioned by Prime Minister Brown to explore the challenge of bringing electric vehicles to market. The speech, titled "Toward kinder, gentler cars," outlined Sperling's predictions and visions for a post-petroleum transportation system.

The University of California Board of Regents formally approved the final version of the system's 2008-2009 budget on Oct. 21.

Three weeks into the fiscal year may seem late - but the regents were handcuffed by the remarkably tardy passing of California's state budget, and were unable to make precise calculations until the state budget was passed.

Wanna grab pizza at "Saucy and Bossy?" Or how about a sandwich at "Lunch Meat Baby One More Time?" Coffee at "Pour Some Sugar On Me?"

In approximately 12 to 18 months, eating and drinking at these destinations will be a possibility, as many "Cohoians" are in the process of naming the seven platforms in the new and improved Coffee House. Plans for the expansion are currently being finalized and construction is scheduled to begin in June of 2009.

The Causeway Classic football showdown between UC Davis and Sac State takes place this weekend, but impatient students can get an early start on the competition off the field starting Tuesday.

BloodSource, a Sacramento-based blood bank and research center, is adding a twist to this year's event by hosting a contest to see which school can register the most blood donors before Saturday's big game.

The leaves start changing colors, the air is crisp and it is already that time of year again - flu season. Student Health Services is offering vaccination clinics this week available to all registered students - no appointments are required. Students on the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) can receive the vaccine for a reduced price of $25 and all other students with private plans can get it for $35. Charges will be billed to students' campus accounts. Students who cannot make the clinic times are encouraged to schedule an individual appointment.

Finding a parking space at the garage near the Memorial Union may be harder than normal for a couple weeks while the structure undergoes lighting improvements.

The North Entry Parking Structure is going through a light replacement project that aims to save energy, money and provide patrons with a safer and better-lit structure.

ASUCD Senate meetings are scheduled to begin Thursdays at 6:10 p.m. Times listed are according to the clock at the Oct. 30 meeting location, the Memorial Union's Mee Room.

The Cross Cultural Center explored stereotypes in a forum Wednesday evening to discuss how the media portrays and labels the presidential candidates.

CCC interns began the event with a group skit by advising attendees on the importance of voting based on ability and not personal or physical criteria.

The Cross Cultural Center is accepting applications through Friday to attend the Reaffirming Ethnic Awareness and Community Harmony (REACH) retreat this winter, scheduled to take place Jan. 9 to 11 at the Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa in Kelseyville, Calif.